Knit design method and device

ABSTRACT

An object of the invention is to display an image giving a feeling close to the feeling of a knitted fabric actually knitted with a knitting yarn. Linear knitting yarn image data  1  is divided into a plurality of meshes  2 . The mesh  2  is made to match a transformed mesh  3  transformed along the shape of a knitting stitch loop  4 . The knitting yarn image data  1  is subjected to an image drawing processing by a mesh transforming technique to create the image of the knitting stitch loop  4 . A lower section  4   a  and an upper section  4   b  are defined in a portion where the knitting stitch loops  4  are overlapped, the portion where the knitting stitch loops are overlapped is synthesized as a knitted fabric  6 , and displayed. Fluffiness or the like is also reproduced, and consequently the feeling like that of an actual knitted fabric can be given.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a knit design method and apparatus thatcan simulate and display images of a knitted fabric of a knittedproduct.

BACKGROUND ART

Conventionally, in designing knitted fabrics of kitted products, methodsof representation for making knitted fabrics such as knitting stitchsymbols or knitting symbols defined by, for example, JIS L 0200 of theJapanese Industrial Standard, are used. The knitting stitch symbols aresymbols indicating textures of various knitting stitches such as frontknitting stitches, back knitting stitches, front tuck knitting stitches,back tuck knitting stitches, float stitches and transfer stitches. Theknitting symbols are symbols indicating the order of knitting with aneedle corresponding to each knitting stitch symbol. The methods ofrepresentation for making knitted fabrics designate individual knittingstitch constituting a knitted fabric, and according to this designation,knitting data for making a knitted fabric with an automatic flatknitting machine can be generated.

The applicant has proposed in Japanese Unexamined Patent PublicationJP-A 60-71748 (1985) a technique for generating knitting data for anautomatic flat knitting machine with color codes represented that aresubstituted for the knitting stitch symbols. Substituting color codesfor the knitting stitch symbols makes it easy to design a knitted fabricby image processing with a computer, and textures of more kinds ofknitting stitches can be displayed on displaying means, using a largenumber of colors.

The applicant also has proposed in Japanese Unexamined PatentPublication JP-A 7-70890 (1995) a technique for generating loop imagesof knitting stitches constituting a knitted fabric by simulation,utilizing data for making a knitted fabric, and displaying the simulatedimages of the knitted fabric. In this technique, image processing isperformed in the following manner. Image data of knitting yarns isstored as yarn samples in advance, and the shape and the position ofeach loop of knitting stitches, the brightness of each portion and thelike are determined based on data for making a knitted fabric, and theloop is divided into a plurality of segments, and synthesized as a loopcorresponding to segmented image data of the yarn samples. The segmentedimage data determine the shape of each loop or the overlap with anunderlying loop based on the data for making a knitted fabric. Splineapproximation of the segmented image data of a knitting yarn isperformed in accordance with the loop shape, and for the overlap with anunderlying loop, a mask is produced and an exposed portion of theunderlying loop is left, so that the knitted fabric is simulated withimages. When the periphery of the yarn sample is made rough, fluffinesscan be expressed. When an oblique line is added on the yarn sample, yarntwist can be expressed.

In the case of performing knit design, when the methods ofrepresentation for making a knitted fabric are used, the displayedimages do not necessarily reflect faithfully the appearance of theactual knitted fabric that is knitted according to the data for making aknitted fabric. Therefore, a designer who designs a knitted fabric withdata for making a knitted fabric has to have an ability of imagining theappearance of the actual knitted fabric in designing, and the knittedfabric cannot be designed intuitionally.

When the simulation of a knitting stitch loop proposed in JP-A 7-70890is used, it is possible to design an actual knitted fabricintuitionally. However, the representation of the fluffiness in theperiphery of a knitting yarn or the knitting yarn twist is artificial,and it is difficult to make it close to the feeling of the knittedfabric made by the actual knitting yarn. In particular, in the splineapproximation of segments, when segments are simply joined in a curvedsection, an edge is generated in a junction between the segments, and ifboth ends of the segments are made soft and overlapped, smooth joiningcan be realized. However, such joining does not guarantee thatfluffiness across the divided segments is displayed as being continuousas it was, and even if image data of a very fluffy knitting yarn isactually used as a color sample, it is difficult to represent naturalfeeling of the knitted fabric with images in which the knitted fabric issimulated.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide a method and apparatus forknit design that can display images representing feeling close to thatof an actually made knitted fabric made of a knitting yarn.

The invention provides a knit design method for simulating anddisplaying an image of a knitted fabric made of a knitting yarn, basedon data for making a knitted fabric, comprising:

-   -   dividing image data of a linearly extending knitting yarn into a        plurality of meshes having a predetermined shape;    -   setting a transformation state of the meshes so as to go along        each knitting stitch loop shape constituting the knitted fabric        and maintain a connecting state between the meshes;    -   transforming the image data of the knitting yarn in accordance        with transformation of the mesh for each mesh; and    -   simulating the knitted fabric with images by allowing the image        data of the knitting yarn that is transformed along the knitting        stitch loop to be continuous according to a predetermined rule,        performing rendering with displacement of the continuous image        data of the knitting yarn so as to be joined in a direction        intersecting with a direction where the knitting yarn is        continuous while partially overlapping the continuous image data        of the knitting yarn, and performing rendering a portion in        which the knitting stitch loops are overlapped on the upper side        or the lower side so as to correspond to the joined state.

Furthermore, the invention is characterized in that the shape of theknitting stitch loop is represented by coordinates of a plurality ofcontrol points set on a predetermined reference line of the knittingyarn forming the knitting stitch loop with respect to a predeterminedbasic shape,

-   -   a shape of a knitting stitch loop different from the basic shape        is handled by relatively displacing the position of each control        point, and    -   the transformation state of the meshes is set based on        information on a line width that can be designated for each        control point.

Furthermore, the invention is characterized in that the basic shape hasa peak portion of a knitting stitch loop shape formed by a knittingoperation with a flat knitting machine and halves of a trough portion onboth sides of the peak portion,

-   -   a plurality of control points are set at both ends of the trough        portion of the basic shape, at the center of the peak portion        and between both the ends and the center, and    -   it is possible to designate whether rendering is performed on        the upper portion of the previously knitted knitting stitch loop        or on the lower side thereof.

Furthermore, the invention is characterized in that the image data ofthe knitting yarn is divided into the meshes in such a manner that afluffy portion outside the knitting yarn is included.

Furthermore, the invention is characterized in that the knitting yarn isa knitting yarn in which at least one of the shape, the color and thefluffiness state changes over a section having a predetermined length,and

-   -   the image data is divided into the meshes at least over the        section.

Furthermore, the invention is characterized in that the data for makinga knitted fabric is generated based on design of a knitted fabric thatis performed by aligning various shapes of a knitting stitch loop thatare previously prepared.

Furthermore, the invention is characterized in that the shape of theknitting stitch loop is generated by simulation in which the image dataof the linearly extending knitting yarn is previously transformed inaccordance with the transformation state that goes along the knittingstitch loop.

Furthermore, the invention provides a program for executing any one ofthe above-described knit design method on a computer.

Furthermore, the invention provides a knit design apparatus fordesigning a knitted fabric while displaying an image of a knitted fabricon image displaying means, comprising:

-   -   knitting yarn image storing means for storing image data of a        linearly extending knitting yarn;    -   mesh dividing means for dividing the image data of the knitting        yarn that is read out from the knitting yarn image storing means        into a plurality of meshes having a predetermined shape;    -   data-input means for inputting data for making a knitted fabric        to be simulated with images;    -   shape setting means for setting a transformation state of the        meshes based on data for making a knitted fabric that is        inputted to the data-input means so as to go along each knitting        stitch loop shape constituting the knitted fabric and maintain a        connecting state between the meshes; and    -   knitted fabric simulation means for transforming the image data        of the knitting yarn that is divided into the meshes by the mesh        dividing means for each mesh in accordance with the        transformation state of the meshes set by the shape setting        means so as to go along each knitting stitch loop, and        displaying a portion in which the knitting stitch loops are        overlapped according to a predetermined rule on the upper side        or the lower side to simulate the knitted fabric with images.

Furthermore, the invention is characterized by further comprisingknitted fabric designing means capable of designing a knitted fabricwith images by aligning image data representing various shapes of aknitting stitch loop that are previously prepared, for generating thedata for making a knitted fabric based on the image data of the designedknitted fabric and inputting the data to the data-input means.

Furthermore, the invention is characterized in that the knitting yarnimage storing means can store image data of a plurality of kinds ofknitting yarns, and

-   -   characterized by further comprising knitting yarn designating        means for designating a knitting yarn so as to select the image        data of the knitting yarn that is to be divided into the meshes        by the mesh dividing means among the plurality of kinds.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other and further objects, features, and advantages of the inventionwill be more explicit from the following detailed description taken withreference to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the basic concept of simulation of a knitdesign method of one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the procedure of simulating a knittedfabric with images based on the concept of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic functional configurationof a knit design apparatus 10 that implements the knit design method ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic electrical configurationof a computer apparatus 20 that can serve as the knit design apparatus10 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a basic shape 30 of a knitting stitch loopthat is handled in this embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example rendered with front stitches ofthe basic shape 30 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example rendered with back stitches ofthe basic shape 30 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a mesh transformation approach of image dataof a knitting yarn in this embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing conventional transformation approach ofimage data of a knitting yarn;

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of image data 60 of a fluffyknitting yarn;

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the image data 60 of the knitting yarn ofFIG. 10 and examples of knitted fabrics that are simulated with thesame;

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing image data 70 of knitting yarn of a loopyarn and an example of a knitted fabric 71 using the same; and

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a knitted fabric using a loopyarn of FIG. 12.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Now referring to the drawings, preferred embodiments of the inventionare described below.

FIG. 1 shows the basic concept of simulation of a knit design method ofone embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG.1(a), at least a part of image data 1 of a linear knitting yarn isdivided into a plurality of meshes 2. As shown in FIG. 1(b), a knittingstitch loop image is obtained based on transformed meshes 3corresponding to a knitting stitch loop constituting a knitted fabric.FIG. 1(b 1) shows an example in which the shape of the transformedmeshes 3 is set in accordance with the transformation state to which theknitting yarn is subjected when forming a basic knitting stitch loop. InFIG. 1(b 2), the image data 1 of a knitting yarn is transformed forevery mesh 2 shown in FIG. 1(a) in accordance with the transformedmeshes 3 so that a knitting stitch loop image 4 is obtained. FIG. 1(b 3)shows only the knitting stitch loop image 4 with the transformed mesh 3removed. Fluffiness is also represented in the knitting stitch loopimage 4. The knitting stitch loop image 4 is overlapped with theknitting stitch loop image 4 of a neighboring course when making ajersey knitted fabric with front stitches using a flat knitting machine,and a lower section 4 a that underlies and does not appear and an uppersection 4 b that constitutes an upper side and appears on the surfaceare set. FIG. 1(c) shows an image of a knitted fabric 6 in whichprimarily the upper sections 4 b of the knitting stitch loop image 4 ofFIG. 1(b 3) are arranged sequentially.

The length of the image data 1 of a knitting yarn shown in FIG. 1(a) isset to a length more than the length that can be divided into the meshes2 so that a section of at least one cycle can be divided into the meshes2 based on the periodic pattern of a change in the color, the shape orthe state of fluffiness of the knitting yarn. The image data 1 of theknitting yarn in a mesh-divided portion is transformed such that theportion of each mesh 2 corresponds to the transformed mesh 3 shown inFIG. 1(b) sequentially. When the image data 1 of the knitting yarnreaches one end of the meshes 2 in the entire section that is dividedinto the meshes 2, then this end is joined to the other end of themeshes 2 in the entire section, and this is repeated, so that this isused as a yarn having an indefinite length.

FIG. 2 shows the procedure of the simulation of the knitted fabric 6 asshown in FIG. 1(c) with images, based on the concept of FIG. 1. Theprocedure starts from step a0, and in step a1, the image data 1 of aknitting yarn as shown in FIG. 1(a) is stored. The image data 1 of aknitting yarn can be obtained by imaging an actual knitting yarn with ascanner or the like. The computer graphics technique can be used forvirtual creation. In step a2, a knitted fabric is designed. A designapparatus for a flat knitting machine or the like can be used. In such adesign apparatus, knitting data for designating the type of eachknitting stitch is generated. In step a3, the shape of the transformedmesh 3 is set, corresponding to the loop shape of each knitting stitch.

In step a4, for example, the user selects a knitting yarn among storeddata of knitting yarns. Then, in step a5, knitting stitch image isgenerated by mesh transformation, using the selected knitting yarn, asshown in FIG. 1(b). In step a6, portions of the image in which the loopsof the knitting stitches are overlapped are processed. In step a7, theknitted fabric 6 shown in FIG. 1(c) is displayed.

The designer looks at the displayed image of the knitted fabric 6 instep a8, and further determines whether or not the knitting yarn isexchanged. When it is determined to exchange the knitting yarn, theprocedure goes back to step a4, and the image data 1 of another yarn isselected. Even if the knitting yarn is not changed in step a8, it isdetermined whether or not the knitted fabric design itself is changed instep a9. When changing the knitted fabric design, the procedure goesback to step a2, where a predetermined editing operation or the like isperformed to design a knitted fabric. When there is no change in stepa9, the procedure ends with step a10.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic functional configuration of a knit designapparatus 10 that implements the knit design method of FIG. 1. The knitdesign apparatus 10 performs knitted fabric design using color codes asdisclosed, for example, in JP-A 60-71748 described above, and displaysthe results on image displaying means 11. The knit design apparatus 10includes knitting yarn image storing means 12, mesh dividing means 13,data-input means 14, shape setting means 15, knitted fabric simulationmeans 16, knitted fabric design inputting means 17, knitted fabricediting means 18 and knitting data processing means 19.

In the knitting yarn image storing means 12, the image data 1 of aplurality of kinds of knitting yarns is previously stored. The imagedata 1 of the knitting yarn of FIG. 1(a) is image data that isrepresented transparent by removing the background portion, for example,by the chromakey process. The mesh dividing means 13 divides the imagedata 1 of the knitting yarn into a plurality of meshes 2, as shown inFIG. 1(a). When dividing into the meshes 2, if the portion around theknitting yarn is included, image data 1 of the knitting yarn can includeinformation on fluffiness or the like.

For the image data 1 of the knitting yarn stored in the knitting yarnimage storing means 12, a length of at least one cycle is necessary,where the cycle as a unit is a predetermined length in which at leastone of the shape, the color or the state of fluffiness of the knittingyarn changes with regularity. A longer length such as two cycles orthree cycles can be used. When a plurality of elements change withdifferent cycles, the overall periodic pattern can be reflected byselecting a cycle that is the lowest common multiple of each cycle.

Knitting data of knitted fabrics to be simulated is inputted to thedata-input means 14. The knitting data of the knitted fabric is the sameas the conventional knitting data, and a knitting method is designatedfor each knitting stitch constituting the knitted fabric. Knittingstitch symbols can be inputted directly. The shape setting means 15 setsthe shape of the knitting stitch loop 4 for each knitting stitch, andalso sets the shape of the transformed mesh 3, based on the knittingdata of the knitted fabric inputted to the data-input means. The methodfor setting the shape of the knitting stitch loop 4 will be describedlater.

The knitted fabric simulation means 16 performs simulation of theknitted fabric 6 by transforming the image data 1 of the knitting yarnto the shape of the transformed mesh 3 set by the shape setting means 15for each mesh 2 divided by the mesh dividing means 13. The results ofthe simulation are displayed as images in the image displaying means 11.

The knitted fabric design inputting means 17 is provided for inputoperation for arranging images of knitting stitch loops that arepreviously prepared to design a knitted fabric. The knitted fabricediting means 18 arranges a texture pattern or the like on a basicknitted fabric, performs an editing process of changing its shape orchanging the position while dividing a basic knitted fabric and apattern portion into different layers, synthesizes images of knittingstitches rendered in a layer structure as the images of the knittedfabric, and displays the images in the image displaying means 11.However, the knitted fabric that is synthesized by combining individualknitting stitch images is artificial, so that natural continuity cannotbe obtained in detail portions. Furthermore, since a large number ofimages of knitting stitches should be prepared, a large storage capacityis required to handle a plurality of types of knitting yarns. However, aknitted fabric closer to the final knitted fabric 6 can be obtained as aresult of design than that with the conventional symbols or color codesfor stitch knitting, so that a knitted fabric can be designed in anintuitionally recognizable manner. The knitting data processing means 19generates data for making a knitted fabric corresponding to the image ofthe knitted fabric that is generated by the knitted fabric editing means18 and inputs the data to the data-input means 14. Thus, it is possibleto perform simulation based on the design results of the knitted fabric.

The image data of a knitting stitch used for the design of a knittedfabric can be also generated by the same approach as simulating theknitted fabric 6. When a knitting yarn is thus selected, a set ofknitting stitch loop shapes for design is prepared with the selectedknitting yarn, and the overall work up to the simulation of the knittedfabric 6 with the design results can be finished with natural imagerepresentation.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic electrical configuration of a computerapparatus 20 that can function as the knit design apparatus 10 of FIG.3. In the computer apparatus 20, a CPU 21 functions as the knit designapparatus 10 of FIG. 3 according to programs previously stored in a ROM22 or programs deployed in a RAM 23. An input device 24 receivesinstructions or operations from the designer, serving as apart of thedata-input means 14 or the knitted fabric design inputting means 17 ofFIG. 3. A keyboard or a pointing device such as a mouse, a trackball,and a pen tablet can be used as the input device 24. The images of aknitting stitch or a knitted fabric are processed in an image-processingdevice 25. A hard disk device 26 stores programs deployed in the RAM 23or stores image data of a knitting yarn, serving as the knitting yarnimage storing means 12 of FIG. 3. An external storing device 27, to/fromwhich a recording medium is attached/removed, is used to deliver datafor making a knitted fabric or deliver programs or image data. Data orprograms can be downloaded from an information communication networksuch as the internet via a communication adaptor 28. The imagesoutputted from the image-processing device 25 are displayed in a displaydevice 29 corresponding to the image displaying means 11 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 shows a basic shape 30 of a knitting stitch loop to which thisembodiment is directed. The basic shape 30 is a knitting stitch shapeformed with a basic knitting operation that is made by displacing aknitting needle to the knitting position in a flat knitting machine, andconstitutes a front stitch or a back stitch of so-called Jerseystitches. The basic shape 30 is made of a needle loop, which is a peakportion of a loop formed by being pulled by a needle, and a sinker loop,which is a trough portion of a loop formed by being held by a sinker. Inthe basic shape 30, one unit is constituted by arranging the peakportion of a loop at the center of the unit, and halves of the troughportion on both ends of the peak portion of a loop. When the loop isjoined to the neighboring knitting stitch loops such that the ends ofthe trough portions are joined, knitting stitch loops that arecontinuous in the course direction can be expressed. When the knittingstitch loops that are continuous in the course direction are joinedwhile being displaced in the wale direction, which is the directionorthogonal to the course direction, and the upper and lower relationshipof the portion in which the knitting stitch loops are overlapped areprocessed according to a predetermined rule, then the knitted fabricmade by a flat knitting machine can be simulated and displayed.

The central line 31 of the knitting yarn forming one unit of a knittingstitch loop of the basic shape 30 has line symmetry with respect to thesymmetry line 32 that traverses the center of both the ends. Ninecontrol points {circle around (1)} to {circle around (9)} are set alongthe central line 31, and thus the shape of the knitting stitch loop canbe represented by the positional coordinates of the control points{circle around (1)} to {circle around (9)}. The manner in which theknitting stitch loops look when they are overlapped or the limit of theline width on which the transformation state of the mesh is set can bedefined based on the control points. For the control points that are incontact with the neighboring knitting stitch loop, the line width islimited so that the knitting yarn is rendered to be narrow because theknitting yarn is hooked. The number of the control points is not limitedto nine. An increase of the number of the control points may make itpossible to handle knitting stitch loops with more complex shape.

The basic shape of the knitting yarn also includes the case where aknitting needle is not displaced and held at a miss-stitch position sothat a loop is not formed (hereinafter, referred to as “miss”). When thepreceding loop shape is miss even in the knitting stitch loops of Jerseystitches, the knitting yarn looks different. As a result, the followingcases are assumed as the shape of the basic loops: the case of miss asshown in Table 1; the case of knit as shown in Table 2; and the case oftuck as shown in Table 3. Table 3 includes the case where the shape ofthe previous course in knitting is miss, and this is the case where aknitting yarn is hooked with a knitting needle carrying no knittingstitch loop. When there is no limitation regarding the line width, theknitting yarn is rendered with the actual width. The limit values areset on both sides or one side, taking one stitch as a unit. When theyarn width of the knitting yarn exceeds the limit value, the knittingyarn is rendered with the size of the limit value. When the yarn widthis not more than the limit value, the knitting yarn is rendered with theactual yarn width. The actual size of one stitch depends on therendering resolution or the gauge of the flat knitting machine, so thatit is calculated at the time of rendering.

TABLE 1 Miss limit of line control points X coordinate Y coordinatewidth 1 (starting 0.00 0.00 1 stitch on both point) sides 2 to 4 notused 5 0.50, midpoint 0.00 1 stitch on both between {circle around (1)}and {circle around (9)} sides 6 to 8 not used 9 (end point) 1.00 0.00 1stitch on both sides

TABLE 2 Knit control limit of line points X coordinate Y coordinatewidth 1 (starting 0.00 0.00 ½ stitch for point) upper half 2 0.36 0.30 ¼stitch on both sides 3 0.25, midpoint 0.85, midpoint 1 stitch on bothbetween {circle around (1)} and {circle around (5)} between {circlearound (1)} and {circle around (5)} sides 4 0.14, position 1.40,position ¼ stitch on symmetrical to {circle around (2)} symmetrical to{circle around (2)} both sides based on {circle around (3)} based on{circle around (3)} 5 0.50, midpoint 1.70 ½ stitch for between {circlearound (1)} and {circle around (9)} lower half 6 0.86, position 1.40,the same as ¼ stitch on symmetrical to {circle around (4)} {circlearound (4)} both sides based on {circle around (5)} 7 0.75, position0.85, the same as 1 stitch on both symmetrical to {circle around (3)}{circle around (3)} sides based on {circle around (5)} 8 0.64, position0.30, the same as ¼ stitch on symmetrical to {circle around (2)} {circlearound (2)} both sides based on {circle around (5)} 9 (endpoint) 1.000.00, the same as ½ stitch for {circle around (1)} upper half

TABLE 3 Tuck control limit of line points X coordinate Y coordinatewidth 1 (starting 0.00 0.00 ½ stitch for point) upper half 2 0.05 0.30 ¾stitch for upper half 3 0.10 0.85, midpoint ¾ stitch for between {circlearound (1)} and {circle around (5)} upper half 4 0.14, position 1.40,position ¼ stitch on symmetrical to {circle around (2)} symmetrical to{circle around (2)} both sides based on {circle around (3)} based on{circle around (3)} 5 0.50, midpoint 1.70 ½ stitch for between {circlearound (1)} and {circle around (9)} lower half 6 0.86, position 1.40,the same as ¼ stitch on symmetrical to {circle around (4)} {circlearound (4)} both sides based on {circle around (5)} 7 0.90 0.85, thesame as ¾ stitch for {circle around (3)} upper half 8 0.95 0.30, thesame as ¾ stitch for {circle around (2)} upper half 9 (endpoint) 1.000.00, the same as ½ stitch for {circle around (1)} upper half

The basic shape 30 shown in FIG. 5 corresponds to the knit shown inTable 2. The control {circle around (1)}, which is the starting point,and the control point {circle around (9)}, which is the end point, areopposite ends in the trough portion, and the control {circle around (5)}is the midpoint of the starting point and the end point, that is, thecenter of the entire shape and also the center of the peak portion. Aplurality of control points {circle around (2)}, {circle around (3)},and {circle around (4)}, and {circle around (6)}, {circle around (7)}and {circle around (8)} are set between the center and the opposite endsof the basic shape 30. The control point {circle around (3)} is set atthe midpoint of the control points {circle around (1)} and {circlearound (5)}. The control point {circle around (2)} is set at themidpoint of the control points {circle around (1)} and {circle around(3)} and is set at an arbitrary position on the central line 31. Thecontrol point {circle around (4)} is set at a potion symmetrical to thecontrol point {circle around (2)} based on the control point {circlearound (3)}. The control points {circle around (8)}, {circle around(7)}, and {circle around (6)} that are positioned symmetrically to thecontrol points {circle around (2)}, {circle around (3)}, and {circlearound (4)} with respect to the symmetry line 32 are set in the samemanner. In Table 2, when knitting stitch loops are arranged in the waledirection, the position of each control point is set such that thecontrol points {circle around (2)} and {circle around (8)} are alignedin the course direction with the control points {circle around (4)} and{circle around (6)} in the preceding course. However, the positions ofthe control points {circle around (2)} and {circle around (8)} arearbitrary, and even when knitting stitch loop are aligned, it is notnecessary that the control points {circle around (2)}, {circle around(8)}, {circle around (4)}, and {circle around (6)} are aligned in astraight line.

In this embodiment, the knitting stitch loops in the case of miss, knitand tuck are used as the basic shape. The control points in the case ofmiss and tuck are set based on the basic shape 30 of knit. Although thelimit of the line width in each control point is described withreference to Tables 1 to 3, when a knitting stitch having a specialshape such as hemming stitches is used, a similar table can be prepared.

When simulating a knitted fabric, first, the control points of eachknitting stitch loop are calculated based on the knitting data of aknitted fabric to be simulated. For knitting stitch loops different fromthe basic shapes, such as miss, knit or tuck, the position of eachcontrol point is displaced relatively. The central line connecting thesecontrol points is subjected to spline approximation so as to calculaterendered points on the central line that has been subjected to splineapproximation. The number of rendered points per unit of a knittingstitch loop is not fixed, but depends on, for example, the loop length.The length between the neighboring rendered points is a length of onesection of the transformed meshes 3, and the shape of the transformedmeshes 3 is determined. Square meshes 2 into which the image data 1 of aknitting yarn is divided are also prepared corresponding to the lengthbetween the rendered points. The length of one section of the meshes 2is the same as the length between the neighboring rendered points. Theknitting yarn of the knitting yarn image data 1 corresponding to themeshes 2 is transformed corresponding to the transformed meshes 3. Theimage data 1 of the knitting yarn is used as a yarn having an indefinitelength as described above, and the meshes 2 are set sequentially on theknitting yarn image data 1 corresponding to each knitting stitch loopand transformed in accordance with the meshes 3, so that images ofknitting stitch loops are generated.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show the concept for rendering, taking the upper and lowerrelationship into consideration, when rendering a knitting stitch loopimage 4 constituting the knitted fabric 6 of FIG. 1(c) as apredetermined loop 35, taking an already rendered loop as a lower loop36. FIG. 6 shows the front stitches, and FIG. 7 shows the back stitches.The knitting stitch loop image rendered as the predetermined loop 35 inFIGS. 6(a) and 7(a) becomes the lower loop 36 when the next knittingstitch loop image is rendered as the predetermined loop 35, as shown inFIGS. 6(b) and 7(b). Hereinafter, the knitting stitch loops are renderedsequentially for every course, so that images of the knitted fabric canbe generated.

Table 4 below shows the determination basis of the upper and lowerrelationship of the basic shape 30 of a knitting stitch loop withrespect to the control points when a loop is rendered as thepredetermined loop 35. Further, Table 5 shows the determination basiswith respect to the lower loop 36. It is determined whether each controlpoint {circle around (1)} to {circle around (9)} of the predeterminedloop 35 is positioned above or below the lower loop 36 by determiningwhether the predetermined loop 35 to be rendered or the lower loop 36that is below the predetermined loop is a front stitch or a back stitch.

TABLE 4 Predetermined loop control point front stitch back stitch 1rendering slipping below overwriting rendering 3 overwriting renderingrendering slipping below 7 overwriting rendering rendering slippingbelow 9 rendering slipping below overwriting rendering

TABLE 5 Lower loop control point front stitch back stitch 5 renderingslipping below overwriting rendering

When determining the shape of a knitting stitch loop, the coordinates ofthe control points or the yarn width are calculated in accordance withdisplacement or tension caused by the influence of crossing or gatheringat the surrounding knitting stitches, so that the state in which aknitting yarn is pulled to the course direction and the wale directionby crossing or gathering of the knitting yarns can be displayed closerto the actual knitted fabric.

FIG. 8 shows the concept for rendering by transforming the image data 1of a knitting yarn in accordance with the transformed meshes 3 using themesh transformation approach. FIG. 8(a) shows one section of the meshes2 into which the image data 1 of a knitting yarn is divided. The imagedata 1 of a knitting yarn includes a yarn portion 40 and fluffy portions41 and 42. Square meshes 2 are set with respect to the image data 1 of aknitting yarn having a linearly extending shape. The vertices of themesh 2 are taken as P₁′, P₂′, P₃′, and P₄′.

FIG. 8(b) shows the concept for preparing mesh data in accordance withthe transformed meshes 3. The vertices P₁, P₂, P₃, and P₄ of thetransformed meshes 3 correspond to the vertices P₁′, P₂′, P₃′, and P₄′of mesh 2 shown in FIG. 8(a), respectively. Each portion in thetransformed mesh 3 is rendered along a rendering line 45 shown in FIG.8(b) while moving the rendering line 45 from, for example, the linesegment connecting the vertex P₂ and the vertex P₃ to the line segmentconnecting the vertex P₁ and the vertex P₄. The data of pixels forrendering is prepared according to the image data of pixels along astraight line corresponding to the rendering line 45 while moving thestraight line from the line segment connecting the vertex P₂′ and thevertex P₃′ of the mesh 2 of FIG. 8(a) to the line segment connecting thevertex P₁′ and the vertex P₄′.

In FIG. 8(b), a shadow portion 46 of a yarn is added to the image dataof the knitting yarn. The rendering line 45 is a line segment connectinga point L_(n) and a point L_(n+1) in the transformed mesh 3. Theinclination of the line segment is obtained based on the positions ofthe point L_(n) and the point L_(n+1), the position on which a shadow islocated is determined based on that value, and the shadow portion 46 ofthe yarn is set. For high speed processing, the shadow portion 46 of theyarn can be limited to, for example, an arbitrary range on the lowerside. For the concentration of the shadow, the level value can becalculated based on the inclination of the points L_(n) and L_(n+1), andreflected at the time of mesh rendering. Rendering is performed eitheron an already rendered yarn or slipping below, depending on the heightinformation of the points L_(n) and L_(n+1).

When the transformed mesh 3 shown in FIG. 8(b) is divided only based onthe control points set in the basic shape 30 shown in FIG. 5, individualmeshes become large so that a smooth loop shape cannot be obtained.Therefore, the basic shape 30 of a knitting stitch loop is subjected tospline approximation and more rendering points than the control pointsare set along the central line 31 of the knitting yarn with a narrowerinterval than that of the control points. Then, the knitting stitch loopis mesh-divided by rendering points, so that the loop shape becomessmooth.

FIG. 9 shows the concept using segment division disclosed in JP-A7-70890 and the reason why it is difficult to render a knitting stitchloop with fluffiness or the like reflected. According to this concept,image data 50 of a knitting yarn is divided into segments 51, 52, and 53as shown in FIG. 9(a), and synthesized as a part of a knitting stitchloop 55 as shown in FIG. 9(b). When fluffy portions 56 a and 56 b arepresent in an overlapped portion between the segments 51, 52 and 53 ofFIG. 9(a), reproduction thereof is such that they are cut, broken orcurved at the border of the segments, as seen in fluffy portions 57 aand 57 b, as shown in FIG. 9(b).

When the invention is applied, even the image data 60 of a very fluffyknitting yarn as shown in FIG. 10 can be represented sufficiently. FIG.11 shows an example of a texture pattern knitted fabric obtained withthe image data 60 of the knitting yarn shown in FIG. 10. A texturepattern in which gathering is combined and crossing is formed is shown.

FIG. 12 shows knitting yarn image data 70 of a fancy yarn called, forexample, a loop yarn and a knitted fabric 71 that is simulated anddisplayed. In this loop yarn, a part of a fiber constituting the yarnprojects outward in the form of a loop. Also in the case of a fancy yarnsuch as a loop yarn, the portion of the loop or the like that projectsoutward is treated as a fluffy portion, so that the knitted fabric canbe simulated such that its feeling and the like can be reproducedfaithfully. In addition to the loop yarn, there is one called a nep yarnas a fancy yarn. In the image data 70 of a knitting yarn, the shapes ofthe loops projecting outward are irregular, and do not necessarily havedefinite periodic patterns. In such a case, it is preferable to storeimage data of a section as long as possible. Furthermore, FIG. 13 showsexamples of knitted fabrics with texture patterns obtained with theimage data 70 of a knitting yarn.

The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departingfrom the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The presentembodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects asillustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention beingindicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoingdescription and all changes which come within the meaning and the rangeof equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embracedtherein.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

As described above, according to the invention, the transformation stateof the mesh is set based on the data for making a knitted fabric. Theimage data of a knitting yarn in which a linearly extending state isdivided into a plurality of meshes having a predetermined shape istransformed in accordance with the transformation state that goes alongthe knitting stitch loop for each mesh. The overlapped portion generatedby joining of knitting stitch loops is displayed on the upper side orthe lower side according to a predetermined rule, so that the feel ofthe knitting yarn can be reflected on the knitting stitch loopconstituting the knitted fabric, and images in which the feeling of thesimulated knitted fabric is closer to that of a knitted fabric made ofan actual knitting yarn can be displayed.

Furthermore, according to the invention, the shape of the knittingstitch loop is displayed with the coordinates of a plurality of controlpoints. In the case of the predetermined basic shape, these coordinatesare set on the predetermined reference line of the knitting yarn. Ashape of a knitting stitch loop different from the basic shape can behandled by displacing the position of each control potion relatively,and the transformation state of the mesh is set based on informationsuch as whether or not there is a limitation regarding the line widththat can be designed for each control point, or the size of the limitvalue. Therefore, the transformation states of meshes that can be usedfor various knitting stitch loop shapes can be set.

Furthermore, according to the invention, for the knitting stitch loop ofthe basic shape formed by a knitting operation of a flat knittingmachine, one unit is constituted by one peak portion and two halves of atrough portion, the peak portion being sandwiched by the two halves ofthe trough portion. Control points are set at a plurality of points,that is, at the opposite ends of one unit, the center, and between thecenter and the opposite ends, and it is possible to designate whetherrendering is performed on the upper side of the earlier knitted knittingstitch loop or on the lower side thereof for each control point.Therefore, the shape of a knitting stitch loop and the upper and lowerrelationship at the time of overlapping can be displayed using thecontrol points.

Furthermore, according to the invention, the image data of a knittingyarn is divided into meshes such that fluffy portions are also included,so that even in the transformation of the mesh shape corresponding to aknitting stitch loop, fluffiness can be reproduced and the feeling ofthe knitted fabric made of a fluffy knitting yarn can be simulatedreliably.

Furthermore, according to the invention, a knitted fabric using aknitting yarn in which at least one of the shape, the color and thefluffy state changes over a section having a predetermined length can bedisplayed with images in which the knitted fabric is simulated with thefeeling of such a knitting yarn used exhibited.

Furthermore, according to the invention, a knitted fabric is designed byaligning the shapes of various knitting stitch loops previouslyprepared, so that the design can be changed rapidly in the middle of theprocess, and the knitted fabric finally can be simulated with imageswith the feeling close to that of the actual knitted fabric.

Furthermore, according to the invention, the shape of a knitting stitchloop in use for designing a knitted fabric is generated by simulation inwhich image data of a linear knitting yarn is transformed in accordancewith the transformation state that goes along the knitting stitch loop.Therefore, the image data of a knitting yarn can be utilized from thestage of designing the knitted fabric, and the knitted fabric can besimulated with natural representation without sense of incongruity as awhole.

Furthermore, according to the invention, a knitted fabric can besimulated with images with the feeling close to that of the actualknitted fabric by executing a program on a computer.

Furthermore, according to the invention, in order to design a knittedfabric while displaying images of a knitted fabric on the imagedisplaying means, the image data of a linearly extending knitting yarnis stored in the knitting yarn image storing means, and the image dataof the knitting yarn is divided into a plurality of meshes having apredetermined shape by the mesh dividing means. When data for making aknitted fabric to be simulated with images is inputted to the data-inputmeans, the shape setting means sets a transformation state of the meshessuch that the meshes are transformed along each knitting stitch loopshape constituting the knitted fabric. Then, the knitted fabricsimulation means simulates a knitted fabric with images by transformingthe image data of the knitting yarn so as to be along each knittingstitch loop for each mesh and displaying the portion in which theknitting stitch loops are overlapped on the upper side or the lower sideaccording to a predetermined rule. Therefore, the knitted fabric can bedisplayed with the feeling as if the knitted fabric is actually made ofthat knitting yarn.

Furthermore, according to the invention, when a knitted fabric isdesigned with images by aligning image data representing the shape ofvarious knitting stitch loops that are previously prepared, the imagesof the knitted fabric can be displayed by simulation with the feelingobtained when actually knitting with the knitting yarn.

Furthermore, according to the invention, a knitted fabric can bestimulated with images, using a knitting yarn selected from a pluralityof kinds, so that the difference in the feeling between knitted fabricsdue to the difference of the knitting yarn can be easily compared.

1. A knit design method for simulating and displaying an image of aknitted fabric made of a knitting yarn, based on data for making aknitted fabric, comprising: dividing image data of a linearly extendingknitting yarn into a plurality of meshes having a predetermined shape;setting a transformation state of the meshes so as to go along eachknitting stitch loop shape constituting the knitted fabric and maintaina connecting state between the meshes; transforming the image data ofthe knitting yarn in accordance with transformation of the mesh for eachmesh; and simulating the knitted fabric with images by allowing theimage data of the knitting yarn that is transformed along the knittingstitch loop to be continuous according to a predetermined rule,performing rendering with displacement of the continuous image data ofthe knitting yarn so as to be joined in a direction intersecting with adirection where the knitting yarn is continuous while partiallyoverlapping the continuous image data of the knitting yarn, andperforming rendering a portion in which the knitting stitch loops areoverlapped on the upper side or the lower side so as to correspond tothe joined state.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the shape of theknitting stitch loop is represented by coordinates of a plurality ofcontrol points set on a predetermined reference line of the knittingyarn forming the knitting stitch loop with respect to a predeterminedbasic shape, a shape of a knitting stitch loop different from the basicshape is handled by relatively displacing the position of each controlpoint, and the transformation state of the meshes is set based oninformation on a line width that can be designated for each controlpoint.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the basic shape has a peakportion of a knitting stitch loop shape formed by a knitting operationwith a flat knitting machine and halves of a trough portion on bothsides of the peak portion, a plurality of control points are set at bothends of the trough portion of the basic shape, at the center of the peakportion and between both the ends and the center, and it is possible todesignate whether rendering is performed on the upper portion of thepreviously knitted knitting stitch loop or on the lower side thereof. 4.The method of claim 1, wherein the image data of the knitting yarn isdivided into the meshes in such a manner that a fluffy portion outsidethe knitting yarn is included.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein theknitting yarn is a knitting yarn in which at least one of the shape, thecolor and the fluffiness state changes over a section having apredetermined length, and the image data is divided into the meshes atleast over the section.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the data formaking a knitted fabric is generated based on design of a knitted fabricthat is performed by aligning various shapes of a knitting stitch loopthat are previously prepared.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein theshape of the knitting stitch loop is generated by simulation in whichthe image data of the linearly extending knitting yarn is previouslytransformed in accordance with the transformation state that goes alongthe knitting stitch loop.
 8. A program for executing the knit designmethod of claim 1 on a computer.
 9. A knit design apparatus fordesigning a knitted fabric while displaying an image of a knitted fabricon image displaying means, comprising: knitting yarn image storing meansfor storing image data of a linearly extending knitting yarn; meshdividing means for dividing the image data of the knitting yarn that isread out from the knitting yarn image storing means into a plurality ofmeshes having a predetermined shape; data-input means for inputting datafor making a knitted fabric to be simulated with images; shape settingmeans for setting a transformation state of the meshes based on data formaking a knitted fabric that is inputted to the data-input means so asto go along each knitting stitch loop shape constituting the knittedfabric and maintain a connecting state between the meshes; and knittedfabric simulation means for transforming the image data of the knittingyarn that is divided into the meshes by the mesh dividing means for eachmesh in accordance with the transformation state of the meshes set bythe shape setting means so as to go along each knitting stitch loop, anddisplaying a portion in which the knitting stitch loops are overlappedaccording to a predetermined rule on the upper side or the lower side tosimulate the knitted fabric with images.
 10. The knit design apparatusof claim 9, further comprising: knitted fabric designing means capableof designing a knitted fabric with images by aligning image datarepresenting various shapes of a knitting stitch loop that arepreviously prepared, for generating the data for making a knitted fabricbased on the image data of the designed knitted fabric and inputting thedata to the data-input means.
 11. The knit design apparatus of claim 9,wherein the knitting yarn image storing means can store image data of aplurality of kinds of knitting yarns, and the apparatus furthercomprising: knitting yarn designating means for designating a knittingyarn so as to select the image data of the knitting yarn that is to bedivided into the meshes by the mesh dividing means among the pluralityof kinds.
 12. The method of claim 2, wherein the image data of theknitting yarn is divided into the meshes in such a manner that a fluffyportion outside the knitting yarn is included.
 13. The method of claim3, wherein the image data of the knitting yarn is divided into themeshes in such a manner that a fluffy portion outside the knitting yarnis included.
 14. The method of claim 2, wherein the knitting yarn is aknitting yarn in which at least one of the shape, the color and thefluffiness state changes over a section having a predetermined length,and the image data is divided into the meshes at least over the section.15. The method of claim 3, wherein the knitting yarn is a knitting yarnin which at least one of the shape, the color and the fluffiness statechanges over a section having a predetermined length, and the image datais divided into the meshes at least over the section.
 16. The method ofclaim 4, wherein the knitting yarn is a knitting yarn in which at leastone of the shape, the color and the fluffiness state changes over asection having a predetermined length, and the image data is dividedinto the meshes at least over the section.
 17. The method of claim 12,wherein the knitting yarn is a knitting yarn in which at least one ofthe shape, the color and the fluffiness state changes over a sectionhaving a predetermined length, and the image data is divided into themeshes at least over the section.
 18. The method of claim 13, whereinthe knitting yarn is a knitting yarn in which at least one of the shape,the color and the fluffiness state changes over a section having apredetermined length, and the image data is divided into the meshes atleast over the section.
 19. The knit design apparatus of claim 10,wherein the knitting yarn image storing means can store image data of aplurality of kinds of knitting yarns, and the apparatus furthercomprising: knitting yarn designating means for designating a knittingyarn so as to select the image data of the knitting yarn that is to bedivided into the meshes by the mesh dividing means among the pluralityof kinds.